The idea of a locally-owned coupon book came about over the past year as customers kept telling us they wanted to support locally-owned businesses like ours at Chocolate Storybook. DMBCB is truly a “homegrown” product and we’re proud of the unique area businesses we’ve showcased, many of which are personal favorites of ours.

9 Reasons To Shop Local First

1. Significantly More Money Re-circulates in the Des Moines Area
   When you purchase at locally owned businesses rather than nationally owned, more money stays in the community since locally-owned businesses often purchase from other local businesses and service providers. Thus, purchasing local helps grow other businesses as well as the Des Moines area tax base.
    
2. Non-Profits Receive Greater Support
   Local business owners donate more to local charities than non-local owners.
    
3. Protect Local Character and Prosperity
   By choosing to support locally-owned businesses, you help maintain Des Moines’ diversity and distinctive flavor.
    
4. Environmental Impact Is Reduced
   Local businesses make more local purchases requiring less transportation and usually set up shop in town centers rather than on the fringe. This generally means contributing less to sprawl, congestion, habitat loss and pollution.
    
5. More New Jobs Are Provided By Local Businesses
   Small local businesses are the largest employers nationally.
    
6. Customer Service Is Better
   Local businesses often hire people with more specific product expertise.
    
7. Local Business Owners Invest In Community
   Local businesses are owned by people who live in this community, are less likely to leave, and are more invested in the community’s future.
    
8. Public Benefits Far Outweigh Public Costs
   Local businesses require comparatively little infrastructure and more efficiently utilize public services relative to chain stores.
    
9. Competition And Diversity Leads To More Consumer Choices
   A marketplace of thousands of small businesses is the best way to ensure innovation and low prices over the long-term. Adapted from information provided by The Institue for Local Self-Reliance